The Brown's Are Not Tanking & That's The Disconnect
# Everyone thinks the Browns are in tank mode.
And that's exactly why, everything they've done has been seemingly head-scratching. In fact, the only way to rationalize the decisions the browns have made, would be to shift your presumption to the idea that the Browns themselves think they are in "Win Now" mode.
The Browns brass have a higher evaluation of their team than the common consensus. This arguable delusion actually makes every misstep make sense.
# Let me explain:
In tank mode, you lose absolutely nothing from starting young guys because the focus of the season would be evaluation. But the browns true direction can be gleaned from various moves and statements.
**Myles Garret Trade**
The Browns were not going to trade Myles Garret. The only reason why they did, was because the Rams offered Jared Verse. The draft capita they got for the trade, many folks would say was a undervalue for a DPoY at only 30yrs old. Why would a shrewd "tanking" team, not focus on getting more draft capita? Why would they need a Jared Verse?
Does that sound like a team bidding it's time for next draft? Because you don't need Jared Verse to get better draft capita. In fact, Jared Verse may be one of the reasons you get worse draft positioning.
**Offensive Line Addressed Aggressively**
The browns went and spent millions on their offensive line, when technically the assumed QB of the future wasn't even on the roster. You don't need to replace your entire Oline
Does that sound like tanking for 2027? Spending millions on addressing your entire line in one offseason vs being patient?
**Choosing Watson over Shedeur**
When asked by reporters, "What did Watson do to distinguish himself from Shedeur", Todd Monken said rather quickly, "*Nothing in particular*". Any elaboration on the matter was basically offered by the reporters and Monken merely said long versions of "sure, lets go with that". The reason why Watson got the nod according to Monken is because "Watson's experience gives us a better chance to win on the road."
Does that sound like an evaluation focused season plan? Mind you, Sanders is not even going to play in the 3rd Preseason game. He is being held out along with the actual starters. That's strange. Wouldn't that be good further evaluation for your QB2. Even for a single drive/quarter?
Going with the young guy, is ONLY true, if you think your team is not ready to compete. Thus there is more value in evaluating and developing than trying to win. Watson needed to prove he could throw a football. Shedeur needed to prove he was undeniably better than Watson (think Russel Wilson vs Matt Flynn).
# The Browns Think They're Team Is Ready Now
But if you think your team is ready to compete, you go with the veteran. A bad veteran is more likely to have early success than a developing talent. And People's appraisal of Sander's talent is not even high.
**The browns have a nigh delusional appraisal of themselves.** An appraisal that the general consensus doesn't share. That's why every talking head and pundit agree that you shouldn't start Watson. But most team's will go with the veteran if their goal is to win, if the performance between the two QBs is close. The young guy gets the nod, if the evaluation is a bigger priority. Which typically happens later in the season.
* Why did the Titans throw in Cam Ward Immediately? Because that team was not going to win given the roster regardless. * Why did Drake Maye have to wait until Week 6 to play? Mind you, the Veteran was Jacoby Brisset. Cause the organization evaluated itself as being capable of winning. And then with that same roster, they go to the superbowl the next year. * Why did Jalen Hurts wait behind Carson Wentz. Cause the organization evaluated itself as being capable of winning. And they were in the play-offs within 2 years.
The Browns brass legitimately think they are closer to the 2024 Patriots and 2020 Eagles, then they are to the 2025 Titans.
Monken's statement after the joint practice with the bills was "**We looked like we belonged**". Sounds to me like they were attempting to confirm their own conclusion
# What do you think?
P.S. *Took some time to write this up in my office during lunch break. Please excuse my grammar and spelling and inconsistent punctuation. Tried to format it so it wasn't a wall of text at least*
Disclaimer: *I am not saying that the browns self-evaluation is correct. I'm just rationalizing why they are moving the way they are moving*
**Also:** This is a discussion of intent. I said delusion for a reason. They are more likely to end up tanking. But that's not how they have been maneuvering